Visa Types
Bulgaria Student Visa Comprehensive Guide
Apply to study in Bulgaria as an international student, extend your study permit and find out about working while You study or after you graduate.
Key Points for Bulgaria Student Visa >>>
Do you need a visa to travel to Bulgaria?
To visit Bulgaria, Indians will need a Schengen visa.
Bulgaria visa application is made online or offline?
The visa application process must be completed offline. You can download, fill out, and print the visa application form, and then submit your application in person directly at the Embassy/Consulate.
Do I need to give biometrics?
Yes, Biometrics are required to obtain a visa.
Is there an interview required to obtain a visa?
No, an interview is not usually required to obtain an Bulgarian visa, but it may vary. The embassy may interview you by phone or in person.
What is the maximum length of stay permitted on a study visa?
The maximum length of stay permitted on a student visa in Bulgaria is typically for the duration of the academic program.
What kind of visa will we acquire from Bulgaria?
It will be a physical sticker visa, which will be affixed to a page in your passport.
Current Visa fees: (Updated on 16-10-2023)
For a short-stay visa: 60 Euro
For children between 6 and 12 years of age: 35 Euro
For a long-stay visa (visa type D): 100 Euro
For more information, please click here
Step-by-step guide
Let us walk you through the process
- First, figure out the type of visa you need and check if you qualify. Also, find out what documents to submit, how long it takes, and the fees.
- Make sure your application follows the rules for your visa category. If your documents aren't in English, consider getting translations before applying.
- When you're prepared to apply, download the visa application form, fill it out, print it, and take it to the Visa Application Centre.
- Don't forget to bring the necessary documents for your chosen visa category when you submit it.
- Once you've filled out your visa form, you'll have to set up an appointment at a Visa Application Centre for your fingerprints and photo. This is known as 'biometric information.'
- Once your appointment is scheduled, you'll receive a confirmation email and an appointment letter.
- If you're traveling with family or a group, make sure each member schedules their own appointment.
- After sending in your application, it's time to pay the visa application fee. If you've printed the form and brought it to the Visa Application Centre, you'll settle the payment when you go for your appointment.
- The visa fee should be paid at the Visa Application Centre.
- You'll get an email when your decision is back at the Visa Application Centre. If you can't check your email easily or want more info, you might get SMS updates on your phone. Just see if this service is offered where you're applying.
- You can also check your visa application status online. Use the Reference Number on your invoice/receipt from the Visa Application Centre, along with your last name, to use this service.
- When your visa decision is ready, you can choose how to get your passport back:
- In-Person Pickup: Go to the Visa Application Centre with your receipt and a government ID. Sometimes, you can send someone on your behalf with your authorization letter, their ID, and your receipt.
- Courier Delivery: You can pay extra to have your passport delivered to your address.
- Be sure to check the Visa Application Centre's opening hours for document collection details.
DOCUMENT CHECKLIST
When applying for a student visa (Long-stay visa D) to Bulgaria from India, you will generally need to provide a comprehensive set of documents to support your application. The following checklist covers the most common documents needed:
- Visa Application Form: Complete and sign the Bulgaria visa application form, available on the official website of the Bulgarian embassy or consulate in India.
- Valid Passport: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended date of arrival in Bulgaria and contains at least two blank pages for visa stamps.
- Passport-Sized Photographs: Provide recent passport-sized color photographs with a white background. Ensure they meet the specific size and quality requirements.
- Letter of Acceptance: A formal letter of acceptance from a recognized educational institution in Bulgaria confirming your admission to a specific course of study.
- Proof of Payment: Provide evidence of tuition fee payment or proof of scholarship, if applicable.
- Educational Documents:
- Academic transcripts and certificates from your previous educational institutions.
- Certificate of completion or degree certificates, as applicable.
- Health Insurance: Obtain comprehensive health insurance coverage that is valid in Bulgaria for the duration of your stay. This insurance should cover medical expenses and emergencies.
- Criminal Record Certificate: Submit a certificate of no criminal record from the Indian authorities or relevant authorities in your home country.
- Financial Proof: Provide proof of sufficient funds to cover your living expenses in Bulgaria. This could include:
- Bank statements for the past three to six months.
- Affidavit of financial support from a sponsor (if applicable).
- Scholarship award letter (if applicable).
- Accommodation Proof: Show evidence of your accommodation arrangements in Bulgaria. This could be in the form of a rental agreement, university accommodation confirmation, or a letter of invitation from a host.
- Travel Itinerary: Present a detailed travel itinerary, including your flight booking or itinerary for your journey to Bulgaria.
- Visa Fee: Pay the applicable visa fee, as specified by the Bulgarian embassy or consulate.
- Cover Letter: Write a cover letter explaining the purpose of your study, your course of study, and your commitment to complying with Bulgarian visa regulations.
- Health Certificate: Provide a medical certificate from a recognized medical facility indicating that you are in good health and free from contagious diseases.
- Residence Permit Application: Some applicants may need to submit an application for a residence permit in Bulgaria upon arrival. Check with the Bulgarian embassy for specific requirements.
- Proof of Language Proficiency (if applicable): Depending on your course of study, you may need to provide evidence of your proficiency in the language of instruction, such as a language proficiency certificate.
- Proof of Accommodation in Bulgaria: Ensure you have a confirmed place to stay in Bulgaria and provide supporting documentation.
- Letter of Guarantee (if applicable): If you have a sponsor in Bulgaria, they may need to provide a letter of guarantee.
- Consent Letter (for minors): If you are a minor traveling to Bulgaria for studies without a parent or legal guardian, provide a notarized consent letter from your parent(s) or legal guardian(s) allowing you to study in Bulgaria.
You must have travel insurance for all Schengen countries. If you haven't bought it, click here.
Note: Please note that visa requirements may vary based on your specific circumstances and the type of study program you are pursuing. It's crucial to check with the Bulgarian embassy or consulate in India for the most up-to-date and specific requirements before applying for a Bulgaria study visa.
VISA APPLICATION FORMS
Before submitting your visa application, please review the list of required documents carefully. The guidelines provided on this website will assist you in preparing your documents accurately, reducing the chances of your application being rejected due to incorrect or incomplete documents.
Application Form for Bulgarian Visa
Fill in all the fields on the application form clearly using typed letters. Use Latin letters for names as in your passport, and the rest can be in English or Bulgarian. The applicant must personally sign the application. Family members of EU citizens should complete only the parts related to their family relationship.
VISA APPLICATION GUIDELINES:
The process for applying for a Bulgarian study visa (Long-Stay Visa D) from India typically involves the following steps:
- Choose a University or Educational Institution: Begin by selecting a Bulgarian university or educational institution that offers the program you want to study. Make sure they are recognized by the Bulgarian authorities.
- Get Accepted: Apply to your chosen institution and get accepted into the program. You'll likely need to provide academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, and possibly proof of language proficiency.
- Receive an Acceptance Letter: Once accepted, the university will provide you with an acceptance letter, which you'll need for your visa application.
- Prepare Required Documents: Gather all the necessary documents, which typically include: Completed visa application form, A valid Passport, Acceptance letter from the Bulgarian university, Proof of sufficient funds, Proof of health insurance, Police clearance certificate, Passport-sized photos and etc.
- Application Submission: Submit your visa application and all supporting documents to the Bulgarian Embassy or Consulate in India. You may need to schedule an appointment for this.
- Biometric Data: You may be required to provide biometric data (fingerprints and photos) during the application process.
- Pay Visa Fees: Pay the applicable visa application fee at the time of submission.
- Wait for Processing: The processing time for a long-term study visa can vary. It may take several weeks, so apply well in advance of your intended departure date.
- Visa Approval: If your visa is approved, you will receive a visa sticker in your passport.
- Travel to Bulgaria: Once you have your visa, you can travel to Bulgaria. Make sure to follow any specific entry requirements or instructions provided by the Bulgarian authorities.
Note:
- If you need a visa to enter Bulgaria, you must have a valid visa when you arrive. Once you are in Bulgaria, you must also get a residence permit from the Migration Directorate.
- Your residence permit will last as long as your study program. It can be renewed for up to one year.
- Once you finish your study program, your residence permit will no longer be valid and you will need to go back home.
- It's important to check the latest information and requirements on the official website of the Bulgarian Embassy or Consulate in India or contact them directly as procedures and requirements may change over time.
- You cannot change your studies. You must submit a new application.
You can obtain more information about the Long-term Study Visa (Visa D) by clicking here